Here's how it works:
1. Bud Formation: A small outgrowth, or bud, appears on the surface of the parent yeast cell.
2. Nuclear Division: The parent cell's nucleus divides, and one copy of the nucleus migrates into the bud.
3. Cytoplasm Division: The cytoplasm of the parent cell divides, with a portion going into the bud.
4. Bud Separation: The bud eventually separates from the parent cell, becoming a new, independent yeast cell.
However, baker's yeast can also reproduce sexually under certain conditions. This happens when:
1. Environmental Stress: The yeast experiences unfavorable conditions such as nutrient depletion or extreme temperatures.
2. Mating: Yeast cells of opposite mating types (a and α) come into contact.
3. Fusion: The two cells fuse, forming a diploid cell with two nuclei.
4. Meiosis: The diploid cell undergoes meiosis, producing four haploid spores.
5. Spore Germination: The spores can germinate and develop into new haploid yeast cells.
In summary:
* Baker's yeast primarily reproduces asexually through budding.
* It can also reproduce sexually under stress conditions, leading to the formation of spores.
